Program Overview

Open Source Intelligence Program

The Open Source Intelligence program teaches students the latest technology, research techniques, and tools to collect and assess data. This program enables learners to analyze captured data to protect business interests and optimize company operations, making them more competitive in today's fast-paced marketplace.

Program Highlights

• Learn how to capture relevant data from a wide range of sources
• Accurately assess and monitor the value and quality of collected information
• Recognize cyber threats and safeguard your privacy online

What You'll Learn

• How to access and investigate relevant OSINT data
• Methods to track competitors and marketplace trends
• How to expose fraud and crime

Program Features

• Courses teach current real-world OSINT tools, techniques, and skills
• Convenient online courses to fit your life
• Learn from open source intelligence experts
• Earn a digital non-academic certificate of completion upon successfully completing all three courses

Career Opportunities

• Open Source Intelligence Analyst
• Intelligence Associate
• Crime Analyst
• Fraud Prevention Associate
• Open source intelligence (OSINT) skills can be used in a variety of industries, including law enforcement, financial institutions, IT departments, insurance companies, human resources, and marketing departments

Academic Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

1. Apply advanced research techniques to find relevant information on issues of interest from a wide range of sources
2. Recognize cyber threats and safeguard your safety and privacy online
3. Accurately assess the value and quality of online sources and data
4. Design tools and processes to collect and manage data from online and traditional sources
5. Use various tools and methods to monitor online and social media sources in real time
6. Process information, produce reports, and apply appropriate and useful metadata
7. Structure and prepare data for analysis and visualization
8. Conduct basic and advanced analysis of collected data and construct predictive models to forecast possible future outcomes

Program Overview

• Virtual Classroom; Online Self-study
• Approx. 7-9 hours per week, per course
• Certificate: 4+ months
• Open enrolment

Certificate in Open Source Intelligence

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of all four courses, students will receive a digital certificate of completion. This credential is digitally shareable, making it easy to add to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and share with current or prospective employers.

Certificate of Completion in Open Source Intelligence Requirements

• Note: Students may request permission to apply OSI 101 and/or OSI 102 to the Data Analytics program.
• Courses (complete all 4):
  • OSI 101: Tradecraft and Operations ($1,049.00)
  • OSI 102: Python for Basic Collection ($785.00)
  • OSI 103: Python for Advanced Collection ($785.00)
  • OSI 104: Data Mining and Analysis Essentials ($785.00)

Admission Requirements

This program is open enrolment, which means there is no formal application or admission procedure. To enrol in a course, simply register online. Our courses can be taken as part of a program or individually.

To Enrol in McMaster Continuing Education Programs

• Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent OR
• Be a mature student as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University OR
• Be deemed an exceptional case

Language Requirements

If English is not your native language, you must meet McMaster University’s English proficiency requirements by either qualifying for an exemption or passing a McMaster-approved English test.

How to Register for Our Courses and Programs

1. Visit the program page to find your program of choice
2. Click on each tab on the program page to learn about credential options and requirements, schedule and fees, and a list of all courses in the program
3. Select a course and then select an available offering, noting important information such as cost, delivery format, and start/end dates
4. Once you have added your courses, proceed to checkout
5. Complete all required fields and select a program of study when prompted
6. Payment is required in full to secure a spot in your course(s)

Payment Options

• Payment must be made in full at the time of enrolment
• Online credit card or debit payments are preferred
• Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
• Accepted debit cards: Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard
• Google Pay is available for faster checkout
• Payments can be made from a Canadian Financial Institution and can take 2 to 4 business days to arrive in your McMaster student account. Once payment has arrived, you can register for your course.